Rip Van Winkle an American Story
Washington Irving set precedents in American literature with his story Rip Van
Winkle. Subject matter of the story includes themes such as unique symbolism
which establishes subjects specific to the changing American society. There
is the belief among literary writers of the early 18th century that American
subject matters were non-existent. For example, in the author's account of
writing the tale, he apologizes for his lack of grand subject matters for he only
mentions that the society was
. This
description is characteristic of the atmosphere surrounding British and American
literature. English colonies were thought to be full of beauty and richness as
opposed to sluggish, lower-class living conditions which were stereotypical of
American lifestyle.
Irving exemplifies the new American literature by
taking a German folklore and adding American scenerey and events. For example,
in the story Rip Van Winkle mentions the Kaatskill mountains and the Hudson river
and describes these things as "magical". Another example of Irvings pedestrain
subject matter is the manner in which he introduces the American revolution into
the story; the same manner in which he introduces this new literary style to the
world.
Irving also compares the work ethic of the Dutch versus this new
society of Americans. Rip Van Winkle inherited "but little of the marital
character of his ancestors". The idleness of Rip seems to represent the overall
attitude of all people in this new land. In addition to this, the actual
writings of this new literary society was not respected. In the story, the
author speaks about an old gentleman who had one of his works published after his
death. The author also notes that " . . . his time might have been much better
employed in weightier labors".
And so, the legendary a German folktale
becomes transformed into the story of Rip Van Winkle thus creating a new form of
literature that laters characterized the American style. ‡
9/3/96